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Don’t Believe the Myths About Root Canals in Stillwater

When performed by a skilled specialist such as Dr. Ernest Reeh, root canals are a very beneficial treatment. He and our staff work hard to make sure that every patient receives the best and most gentle care possible. However, many patients focus on the myths about root canals in Stillwater. First of all, here are a few key benefits of having your root canal procedure performed at River Valley Endodontics:

  • A dedicated team that will ensure your comfort
  • Dr. Reeh’s board certification and three-plus decades of practice experience
  • A modern facility with advanced technology like a 3-D CT scanner and digital X-rays
  • Multiple methods of sedation, including laughing gas or a small, FDA-approved pill

If your tooth is aching, now is the time to do something about it. Call our office today at 651-370-9498 to schedule a consultation and exam.

Understand the Facts on Root Canals

Modern root canals are a beneficial service that helps patients get out of pain while saving their diseased tooth. During a root canal procedure, Dr. Reeh will clean out the diseased portion of your tooth, sterilize it, and fill it with a rubber-like material to prevent reinfection.

The bad news is that there are many misconceptions about root canals. Below are three of the most common:

Myth #1 – Root Canals Cause Pain

Rather than create more pain for you, modern root canals are actually designed to stop your dental pain. Removing the diseased part of the tooth, known as the pulp, will get you out of pain and help you feel better. With total numbing and our sedation options, our patients routinely report that their root canal procedure was completely pain-free.

Myth #2 – Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness

This myth is based on unreliable research from the early part of the 20th century. The research concluded that a root canal can allow bacteria to enter the body and cause other diseases, including heart disease and kidney disease. Over the last century, many trustworthy studies have disproven this theory.

Myth #3 – Extraction Is a Better Alternative to a Root Canal

During the period when it was believed that root canals led to bacteria reaching other parts of the body, teeth extractions were recommended over endodontic care. However, an extraction actually has a greater chance of allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream than a root canal does. Plus, when a tooth is extracted, it needs to be replaced with either an implant or a bridge so your other teeth don’t shift positions.

If you have any questions regarding these myths about root canals in Stillwater, don’t hesitate to give our team a call at 651-370-9498. To make an appointment, either call us or make one online.

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

“I have been visiting River Valley Endodontics for several years now and am very pleased of the service they provide. Dr. Ernest Reeh is extremely knowledgeable of his craft, he takes time to not only investigate the problem and if necessary, adds state of the art technology on circular x-ray machines and other devices and explains in full details of his plan and procedure to rectify the issue/s and expected …” Read More – Rita M.
“My husband has had two visits to River Valley Endodontics, and both were positive experiences. Dr. Reeh and his staff are professional, yet caring and friendly. It was very easy to schedule an appointment quickly, and my husband’s procedures went smoothly and without any issues. He had both a root canal and two extractions. We highly recommend Dr. Reeh!” – Susan S.
“I had never had a root canal and was feeling a bit anxious. It turns out it was a “non-event.” Outside of getting numbed up, there wasn’t an ounce of pain. It was actually kind of boring to stare up at the ceiling for an hour while they masterfully worked on my tooth. I would highly recommend the team at River Valley Endodontics. They were able to squeeze me in …” Read More – Jeff H.
“I was in a world of hurt with a root canal and can’t believe what a great outcome and service I received with little notice. I highly recommend this office and doctor Reeh for the wonderful care I received. I had absolutely no pain 2 hours after the procedure. Thanks again” – Tom S.
“I was pretty apprehensive as I arrived for a molar root canal treatment. The various experiences of friends had put me in a very anxious state of mind. I was immediately met by the friendly and professional staff persons. Shortly I was led to the room where the procedure was to take place. I was envisioning some kind of torture chamber but instead was greeted by a bright and pleasant …” Read More – Everson D.
“After suffering a few days over the weekend with a BAD toothache, I went to Dr. Reeh and had a root canal. It was a really nice office and he and his staff were wonderful. I highly recommend going to visit them with any special dental needs you have.” – Debra G.
“My wife recently had a procedure done at River Valley Endodontics. Everything about the experience was excellent. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Dr. Reeh explained my wife’s options and encouraged her to ask questions. The procedure was painless both during and after. The follow-up has also been pleasant and thorough. We recommend this practice highly.” – Keith R.
“I highly recommend River Valley Endodontics! Dr. Reeh and his team did such a wonderful job on a root canal rework/redo that I needed. Start to finish it was a very thorough, professional and very friendly experience. The consultation process was informative and the presentation of options available to me was very impressive and straight forward. Best of all, the procedure performed was absolutely painless! I live in the Twin …” Read More – Chris F.
“Thanks to Dr. Reeh and his wonderful staff for a very pleasant experience! I had a broken tooth and needed a crown, but prior to seating it flared up. I was in a lot of pain and Dr. Reeh fixed my problem. He made the whole experience very good and pain free! I feel so much better and have had no problems since I saw him. I was able to …” Read More – Paul C.
“Great experience. Dr. Reeh and Taylor took great care of me on my root canal and were calming and professional and explained everything along the way.” – Michael H.
“I have ALWAYS had highly satisfying experiences at River Valley Endodontics! I love the kind thoughtful extraordinarily competent care I have always received. I recall a time many years ago when I was suddenly facing great pain the night before I had to board a flight to a very important distant event that I could not miss. The doctor , (7+ months pregnant!) met me after hours that night! I …” Read More – Scott K.
“Something like tooth extraction and implant prep can seem overwhelming to a patient. Dr. Reeh takes the time to thoroughly explain the entire procedure and what you can expect in an easy-to-understand way. He truly is a gifted health care provider.” – David W.
“River Valley Endodontics is such a great place if you need a root canal. Dr. Reeh was so kind and helpful and knowledgeable. He did such a great job and the office felt so comfortable and relaxing. All of the staff were wonderful! I really had a great experience at River Valley Endodontics and will use them any time I need dental work done that can be done by them.” – Janine C.
“Dr. Reeh and his staff are excellent! He took wonderful care of my husband when we ended up with a problem tooth. He is gentle and soft spoken and will put anyone at ease. We are very thankful for his expertise and care. We highly recommend!” – Tricia C.
“An old root canal, performed elsewhere and with complications, resulted in inflammation over the years, together with bone loss. I wanted to keep the tooth if possible, so surgery was performed to remove part of the root and replace the damaged bone with a graft. I don’t lightly submit to medical procedures, but this had to be done and Dr. Reeh’s stellar credentials made me very comfortable in having him …” Read More – Steven S.
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Common Questions About Myths of Root Canals

How painful are root canals?

You shouldn’t feel any pain during your root canal. Dr. Reeh will make sure that your mouth is completely numb before doing any work so that you don’t experience discomfort. In addition, we offer choices for sedation that will help you fully relax and eliminate any anxiety – inhaled sedation with laughing gas or oral sedation with a pill.

Do root canals cause cancer?

No, root canals do not cause cancer. There has been no reputable research that has ever proven that to be the case. A root canal is a safe procedure designed to repair and preserve a damaged tooth, and it will not cause any health problems. In addition, at River Valley Endodontics, we take every measure possible to ensure you receive the desired outcome.

Is a tooth extraction a better alternative to a root canal?

It is always better to save your natural tooth whenever possible. Therefore, a tooth extraction is not a better alternative to a root canal if your tooth can be saved. Even though today there are fantastic replacement tooth options like dental implants, no artificial tooth can beat having a patient’s own natural tooth in place. That’s why a root canal is preferred over an extraction.

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